19304 - CBD1 - Credit & Planning - Credit Review - AVP

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Purpose of Job
- Credit officer is responsible for assessing the creditworthiness of corporate clients, conducting in-depth financial analysis, preparing credit applications, and recommending obligor and facility gradings.
- The role involves evaluating financial statements, performing risk assessments, structuring credit facilities, and ensuring that all credit-related documentation is accurate and compliant. 
- Credit officer work closely with relationship managers, credit departments, and other internal stakeholders to ensure sound credit decisions are made in alignment with the bank’s risk appetite, policy, and regulatory requirements. 

Background
- This position is essential to support the bank’s growing corporate loan portfolio and ensure that credit decisions are based on bank’s risk appetite, thorough analysis, and sound risk management as a first line of defense. 
- Credit officer plays a key role in preparing credit applications, recommending obligor and facility gradings, and ensuring timely and accurate preparation of all credit-related documentations to align with both business and regulatory requirements. 
- Primary products cover Syndicated & Bi-Lateral Loans, Derivatives (Swaps, FX), Trade Finances and Bank Guarantees. 

Facts / Scale

- Our department, CBD1 (London) has around 250 obligors.
- Our clients includes Japanese, Korean and other Asian corporates. 
- Our credit officers support credit works for other CBD1 offices if needed.
- Credit team in London prepares circa 500 credit applications per year.
- Credit team has 5 permanent roles as of December 2025.

Position Description

Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to assess the financial health and creditworthiness of corporate clients. 
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative risk assessments, including industry analysis, market conditions, and company-specific risk. 
- Assign obligor gradings based on the bank’s rating framework and submit these gradings to credit department for review and approval. 
- Regularly update and revise obligor gradings in response to changes in client financial performance, market conditions or external circumstances. 
- Develop financial projections to forecast company performance under various scenarios, including stress testing to evaluate the impact of adverse conditions on creditworthiness. 
- Conduct sensitivity analysis to determine how economic or operational changes may affect the client’s ability to meet financial obligations. 
- Collaborate with relationship managers to structure credit facilities based on the client’s needs and the bank’s risk appetite. 
- Prepare comprehensive credit applications for submission to the credit departments, including recommendations on credit limits, terms and conditions.
- Ensure the timely and accurate preparation and maintenance of all credit-related documentation including facility agreements. Ensure that all documentation adheres to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain detailed records for internal/external audit purposes and ensure that all internal policies and regulatory requirements for credit related tasks are satisfied. 
- Communicate changes in obligor gradings or risk factors to relationship managers, credit departments, and line manager in a timely manner. 
- Communicate with clients and relevant internal stakeholders directly to support the credit approval process.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve the credit analysis and approval processes, ensuring more efficient workflow.
- Participate in ad hoc project related tasks as the business needs require. 

Position Description - continued

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field is preferred. 
- Professional certifications (e.g. CFA, CPA) are a plus. 
- Experience as a credit analyst, financial analyst or a similar role, preferably in corporate banking or financial services is preferred. 
- Good product knowledge, loans (syndicated, Bi-Lateral), guarantees, Derivatives, Trade Finance & Leasing. 
- In-depth knowledge of specific industry such as manufacturing is a plus. 
- Familiarity with legal documentation including Loan and bond documentation, ISDAs, CSAs, netting and credit mitigating features. 
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, and financial projections. 
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex financial data and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
- Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail in preparing credit applications, financial projections, and documentation. 
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts and defend credit recommendations in credit discussions. 
- Problem-Solving: Capable of identifying potential risks and proposing solutions to mitigate them. 
- Self-Starter: Ability to independently manage the credit tasks and take ownership of decisions. 
- Operational Mindset: Focused on improving internal processes, with a proactive approach to driving efficiency across the credit function. 
- Strong interpersonal skills engaging with key stakeholders at all levels. 
- Good team player willing to work in the FO Credit teams at short notice. 
- Fluency in English.
- Japanese speaker is preferable but not mandatory.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!